John Cusack displays his usual charm in this adventure film from early in his career. Prep-school student Dan Bartlett (Cusack) flunks his chemistry final and has to forgo a Caribbean vacation with his wealthy girlfriend Laurie and her family. When the professor decides to be lenient and lets him pass, Dan sets off after Laurie--but finds himself one step behind her as he's sidetracked, shanghaied, and almost shipwrecked. Meanwhile, the boat that Laurie is on gets hijacked, just as Dan finally catches up. Hot Pursuit won't be remembered as one of Cusack's best films, but it's enjoyable and has beautiful shots of the Caribbean. Robert Loggia gives a rambunctious performance as an old sea dog and Ben Stiller makes his film debut as a sleazy cabin boy. --Bret Fetzer